“Computers are like Old Testament gods; lots of rules and no mercy.”
I am late again today. It has to do with my router and my new Apple products. Neither the iPad nor the MacPro can find my router and hence the internet for both of them is but a dream. I showed the router to them, how pretty it is and all, but they weren’t impressed. Both snubbed my poor old router. I decided to make sure it was the router as that was a guess so I talked to Apple who said it’s the router, and they couldn’t help me; of course, I already knew it was the router so that was a meaningless phone conversation. I called Cisco about the Linksys router, and they said sorry, warranty is out of date. Apple did suggest I update the firmware, and that’s what I’ve been trying to do, unsuccessfully, over and over. I decided to take a break and write Coffee. My frustration level was teeth grinding, which is high on the scale, and I don’t need another broken tooth.
More and more I’m appreciating board games where you spin an arrow or throw dice. I love hunting through the internet, but computer problems are seldom small, easy to solve or inexpensive to fix. I was an English major for Pete’s sake! Having a problem describing the characters in To Kill a Mockingbird? Call me. We can solve your problem over the phone or we can do a live chat on line. Having a problem with the theme of Hamlet? Set up an appointment. I’ll have you spouting the answer in no time with quotes thrown in just to impress. Even if you’re really old, I’ll never claim your warranty has expired.
If I had three wishes, one would be to travel around the world. The next would be to write the great American novel still believed to be a myth though I think there were several, unconfirmed sightings in the Rockies. My third wish would make me a computer geek, though secretly: no pen holders in my pockets or unfashionable glasses on my face. I’d like to be something like a parlor trick. I’d sashay to the computer and just offer to take a look. In minutes the miraculous would happen, and I’d have the computer fixed and humming along. After that, adoring crowds would surround me, and I’d tell them it was just nothing, but my voice would ooze false modesty.
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keepthecoffeecoming.blog 
January 30, 2011 at 2:36 pm
Wasn´t it someone that said that if cars were like computers the world would stand still 🙂 🙂 But I have to say that I´m very impressed by my old computer, it´s over ten years old and the only time it have had problems is when the lightning has struck it. It still works but I can´t get out on the net with it any longer.
We´re not that impressed with Apple over here any longer.It´s the Iphones that is more or less crap and they refuse to repair them and when something doesn´t work as it should they look for something to blaim the costumer so that they don´t have to replace the phone for free, the customer then has to buy a new Iphone for a lower price.
The latest thing is that the front glass cracks if it gets cold. Lower than 32F and it´s the costumers fault the phone broke 🙂 🙂
Have a great day now!
Christer.
January 30, 2011 at 5:18 pm
Christer,
I have a PC with a new hard drive and now the new stuff I bought yesterday. My first computer was a retread and cost little and lasted the youngest. My first lap too lasted a long time.
I love the iPad. I feel like I’m living in a scifi movie.
I bought extended coverage just in case.
January 30, 2011 at 3:02 pm
Hi Kat,
I’m with Douglas Adams. Things should just work, dammit.
The first time I added a printer to my pc it took three install/uninstall/reinstall sessions and a temper tantrum that involved unplugging everything and ignoring it all for a week. When I finally plugged them all in again the little components were all friendly and communicating. Stupid inanimate objects.
Hope your computer problems are speedily resolved.
January 30, 2011 at 5:20 pm
Hi Caryn,
I so agree with you and Douglas Adams. My problems will be solved with a new router. The one I have is seven years old so it has done its job well. Every laptop I had connected to the internet. It’s just time to say goodbye.
January 30, 2011 at 4:47 pm
Hi Kat,
As a long time Apple Mac user, since 1986, I can tell you that once you get on the internet you will never want to go back to the other stuff. I along with many of my ‘techie’ friends have given up on Linksys products. They don’t last very long and they are not very easy to setup. My employer’s engineers have all switched to Netgear routers and switches. They have lasted longer than the Linksys versions.
The great thing about the iPad is that it’s a computer for those of us who don’t give a hoot about the filing system or most tech stuff. I came to the Mac because of the graphical interface. In 1986 PCs used DOS. DOS was a command line interface. I had enough trouble learning the things I needed for my job and the Mac seemed to be the computer for the rest of us. It’s not perfect but it is close.
January 30, 2011 at 5:27 pm
Hi Bob,
My router is seven years old and this is the first time a laptop couldn’t connect so the router was admirable for its time. I set it up myself, and it worked right away. Maybe I was lucky.
I’m going to buy Netgear based on your comment.
Thanks!
January 30, 2011 at 6:49 pm
Dell Blows !
Ok, got that off my chest as the hard drive on a 3 year old Dell failed completely and for the first time I have gone to the iMac. Mrs Hedley had given me an iPad in September and give the wide selection of iPods it made sense to try the Mac. Any questions that i have had have been answered quickly by Tech Service and from a call center based in the US of A.
Last time I spoke to Dell I was double teamed from Delhi, one service Rep was trying to sell me a PC online and his colleague called with a super duper offer on a cheaper model that I needed to buy right now…I didnt
Call me non PC (and anything else you choose) but I hate call centers outside this country
January 30, 2011 at 9:14 pm
My Dear Hedley,
The Apple technician called me on the phone at exactly the right time. He too was from a US center.
I was impressed.
January 30, 2011 at 9:24 pm
I have always been impressed with Apple’s customer service. I think their call center is in Austin Texas. I hate talking to someone who tells me their name is Margret, they ask me how I am enjoying a warm weekend in Dallas and they sound like they live in Bangalore.
January 30, 2011 at 8:20 pm
Computer-frustration ?
“Cookie Monster” knows how to deal with computers.
His instruction-video:
January 30, 2011 at 9:34 pm
Hi Birgit,
It’s his totally ignored the sound and his own response gave me quite the laugh.
Thanks
January 30, 2011 at 9:30 pm
Love the Cookie Monster Video. I went back yesterday and found some UTube from the EELS, thanks for introducing me to them. Ah an IPAD!!! If wishes were fishes, Meow would be gaining weight.
January 30, 2011 at 9:33 pm
Lori,
I’m glad you’re dropping by. We’ll catch one nother one of these days as soon as I get my new Mqac on line.
My winter has been dreadful so the iPad was a gift to myself.
January 30, 2011 at 9:35 pm
Bob,
I love the commercial where the guy from what could be India identifies himself as Betty.
January 31, 2011 at 3:39 am
Most users forget to unplug the router, shut down the computer and within 10-20 seconds plug the router back in & start the computer. They have to shake hands with each other & this usually fixes the problem. I cannot believe that any of the people you called didn’t ask you to try this. It usually works.
January 31, 2011 at 11:30 am
Mikelj3,
OMG, you totally solved the problem. Both are now connected! I was going to buy another router today not to mention the countless hours I spend trying to update the router!
Thank you, thank you!
February 1, 2011 at 3:57 pm
Katry, I’m glad it worked for you. Not even an iota of payback for the great music & pictures I hear and see on your blog. Thanks for all the good times & keep up the good work!
January 31, 2011 at 5:16 am
A review of the subject: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0Pu61YkGPk
Cheers
January 31, 2011 at 11:34 am
Minicapt,
That was hysterical! I know my computer tech at the high school would love it!!
January 31, 2011 at 8:32 am
Thank you for your daily words even at times your support system/computer act like a prima dona. Hope the renewal of bad weather doesn’t hurt you. I’m here in Texas and we are making sure we have the ingredients for a big pot of chili for dinner and some grits for breakfast. Ice brings us a vacation. We are, obviously, retired.
January 31, 2011 at 11:37 am
You are most welcome, Jane. It is always my pleasure and a delight for me as well to write.
I fill the larder, make sure I have a new book, some wood for the fireplace and I’m set for the onslaught of snow. I don’t shovel or plow. I have someone do that for me. I’m all set.
I’m not a grits fan, but I’d love some chili.
February 2, 2011 at 11:40 am
Mikelj3,
Last night I played with my iPad and sent e-mails for the fun of it just so people will read, :”Sent from my iPad.” Such fun I’m having!!